Rob Ford’s duties as mayor on the line in special Toronto council meetings

Toronto Mayor stands on the floor of the council chamber in Toronto on Thursday November 14, 2013. CP/Chris Young

TORONTO – Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will face challenges to his job at special council meetings today and Monday.

A motion to be brought before city council today would strip the mayor of his emergency powers, while the one on Monday would relieve Ford of his duties as mayor.

Coun. Adam Vaughan says he’d like to see Ford remain entitled to vote and function as a councillor, but shift his staff to the deputy mayor and Toronto’s budget chief.

Ford’s gaffes continued Thursday, as he spouted an obscenity on live TV, refused to apologize then did apologize, and was scolded by the Toronto Argonauts football team for wearing its jersey while making the remarks.

Ford’s locker room vulgarity also drew wide condemnation from fellow councillors, who literally turned their backs when he spoke during the day’s various debates.

And Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she would consult opposition parties before deciding whether to intervene — if council made it clear it could not function as a result of the Ford scandal.